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TOP25By Connor Dziawura
FEBRUARY 2 TO APRIL 3 Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen’s 1952 screen classic “Singin’ in the Rain” has been performed on stages all across the world. Set in 1927, it harks back to Hollywood’s evolution from the silent film era to the “talkies.”
The Phoenix Theatre Company’s Mainstage Theatre, 1825 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, 602.254.2151, phoenixtheatre. com/the-season/singin’-rain, dates and times vary, see website for ticket prices
OPENS FEBRUARY 4 Heralded as one of the best films of 2021, Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s “Drive My Car,” an adaptation of a short story by Haruki Murakami, is expanding its presence in theaters. The multi-award-winning drama — Japan’s contender for Best International Feature Film at the upcoming Academy Awards — is about a renowned stage actor and director who is forced to confront his and his late wife’s past with the support of a young woman who chauffeurs him to a tension-riddled theater production he’s staging. Not rated.
In theaters, drivemycar.film
OPENS FEBRUARY 4 The boys are back! Franchise creators and producers Jeff Tremaine, Spike Jonze and Johnny Knoxville have reunited the crew to perform their beloved, dumb stunts and pranks in this fourth installment of the “Jackass” franchise. Expect to see Steve-O, Chris Pontius, Dave England, Wee Man, Danger Ehren and Preston Lacy, plus a variety of younger newcomers and guest appearances. Rated R for strong crude material and dangerous stunts, graphic nudity and language throughout.
In theaters, jackassmovie.com The Arizona Goth Festival
FEBRUARY 5 Put on your darkest attire and head on down to the Arizona Goth Society’s first festival of all-things goth. Melding culture, music, arts and crafts, the event will feature a variety of DJ sets; live performances from Audra, PyG and The Limit Club; and plenty of local vendors — lest we forget a charity raffle to benefit The Trevor Project, which offers suicide prevention and crisis intervention services for LGBTQ youth. This event is for ages 21 and older.
The Nile, 105 W. Main Street, Suite 7309, https://bit. ly/3GB973a, 4 p.m., $20
FEBRUARY 5 TO MARCH 13 Recommended for ages 3 and older, this production features a cast of 75 puppets adapting author/ illustrator Eric Carle’s “Brown Bear, Brown Bear,” “10 Little Rubber Ducks,” “The Very Busy Spider” and “The Very Hungry Caterpillar.” A couple dates will offer backstage tours, and February 20 will include an ASL performance.
Herberger Theater Center’s Stage West, 222 E. Monroe Street, Phoenix, 602.252.8497, herbergertheater.org, dates and times vary, $13-$35
Tyler, the Creator
FEBRUARY 8 After releasing the mixtapeinfluenced “Call Me If You Get Lost” to much acclaim last year, Tyler, the Creator is returning to the Valley with a supporting roster of Kali Uchis, Vince Staples and Teezo Touchdown. The show was bumped up from the previously scheduled date of February 11 to February 8, but tickets for the previous date will be honored.
Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602.379.7800, footprintcenter. com, 7 p.m., $160-$273.50 Waste Management Phoenix Open
FEBRUARY 7 TO FEBRUARY 13 It’s “The People’s Open”! The PGA Tour is returning to Scottsdale, with pro golfers competing for a large sum of prize money. Admission is free Monday and Tuesday, courtesy of Ford Free Days, while youth ages 15 and younger will be admitted free all week if accompanied by an adult; general admission tickets and other prices are available online.
TPC Scottsdale, 17020 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale, wmphoenixopen.com, tee times will be posted on website, see website for ticket options
FEBRUARY 8 Ahead of the release of Joachim Treer’s highly acclaimed new film, see it as part of a Talk Cinema presentation at the Chandler Center for the Arts. After the film, which is about a young woman who navigates the troubled waters of her love life and struggles to find her career path, there are discussions with film scholars and special guests. And if you miss it, you can always catch it in theaters beginning February 11. Rated R for sexual content, graphic nudity, drug use and some language.
Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second Street, Scottsdale, 480.499.8587, scottsdaleperformingarts. org, 7 p.m., $14
Coors Lights Birds Nest
FEBRUARY 9 TO FEBRUARY 12 Every year, when Waste Management brings the PGA Tour to town for the Phoenix Open, along comes the Birds Nest, four days of games, entertainment, food and drinks with a party atmosphere. Performers this year are Diplo and Cole Swindell on Wednesday; Sam Hunt and Russell Dickerson on Thursday; Macklemore, Quinn XCII and Ayokay on Friday; and Kygo, Sam Feldt and Forester on Saturday. This event is for ages 21 and older.
Located directly across from the main WM Phoenix Open Tournament Entrance at 82nd Street and Bell Road, coorslightbirdsnest. com, 3 p.m., $75-$185 “The Office” Trivia
FEBRUARY 9 Return to Pennsylvania to answer trivia questions about Michael, Dwight, Jim, Pam and the other employees of Scranton’s Dunder Mifflin branch from the beloved NBC series. Trivia will span all nine seasons and take place in the Rose Room. Signup is at 6 p.m.
Valley Bar, 130 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, 602.368.3121, valleybarphx.com/theoffice-trivia, 7 p.m., free
FEBRUARY 10 TO FEBRUARY 13 “O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?” At Symphony Hall, of course. Choreographed by Ib Andersen with music by Sergei Prokofiev, this adaptation of the classic William Shakespeare tragedy sees Ballet Arizona and Phoenix Symphony pairing up.
Symphony Hall, 2835 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602.381.1096, balletaz.org, dates and times vary, $35-$174
FEBRUARY 10 TO FEBRUARY 27 Presented by Arizona Theatre Company, this comedy is described as a mixture of “Nancy Drew,” “Murder She Wrote” and “Sex and the City.” Written by playwright Wendy MacLeod, “Women in Jeopardy!” tells the story of Liz, a woman smitten with a dentist — whose creepy vibes and link to a disappearance lead her friends to question whether or not he’s a serial killer.
Herberger Theater Center’s Center Stage, 222 E. Monroe Street, Phoenix, 602.252.8497, herbergertheater.org, dates and times vary, $25-$78
Crush Arizona 2022
FEBRUARY 12 Crystal Skies, Deorro, Herobust, Lucii, Taiki Nulight and Valentino Khan perform at this year’s Crush music festival hosted by Relentless Beats and Insomniac. Celebrate the pre-Valentine’s Day weekend with this rave from Saturday evening into the early hours of Sunday. Cafe Caderas provides support. This show is for ages 18 and older.
Rawhide Event Center, 5700 W. North Loop Road, Chandler, 1.855.235.2867, https://bit. ly/3I5VMjS, 6 p.m., $50-$125
FEBRUARY 12 With Valentine’s Day approaching, this daylong excursion to the Catlin Court and Old Towne shopping districts is a celebration of female friendships. There will be make-andtake activities, Kindness Rock painting, photo ops, shopping and sweets, plus a trail to collect charms for a bracelet. Pick up an activity list and walking map at the Arizona Information Center at Memory Lane Trinkets and Treasures, 5836 W. Palmaire Avenue.
Historic Downtown Glendale, 623.299.2060, visitdowntownglendale.com, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., free admission
Scottsdale Philharmonic
FEBRUARY 13 Scottsdale Philharmonic’s spring slate has been announced, and it kicks off this month. Award-winning Russian symphonic and operatic conductor Dmitry Polyakov will serve as guest conductor. This date will feature “O Sole Mio” by Eduardo di Capua, with soloist Johnny Huerta; “1812 Overture” and “Piano Concerto No. 1 Movement 1” by Pyotr llyich Tchaikovsky; a duet sung by Melissa Solomon and Johnny Huerta; and a piano solo by Vitaly Serebriakov.
Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts’ Virginia G. Piper Theater, 7380 E. Second Street, Scottsdale, 480.499.TKTS (8587), scottsdaleperformingarts. org, 4 p.m., $15
Arizona Black Heritage Music Experience 2022
FEBRUARY 18 AND FEBRUARY 19 Hosted by actor/comedian Evan Lionel, this two-day Black History Month celebration brings together a host of live music with food and games in the outdoor lawn area at Copper Sky. Tommy Dukes, Harlan Jefferson, Willie Clayton, Enchantment and the Intruders are slated for Friday, with Larry Bailey, Willie Rogers, Neamen Lyles, Clayton (in a tribute to Al Green), Raydio, Chico DeBarge and Adina Howard performing on Saturday.
Copper Sky, 44345 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Maricopa, https://bit.ly/ 3FvEivG, 6 p.m. Friday, 4 p.m. Saturday, $35-$200
Worldwide Women’s Film Festival
FEBRUARY 18 TO FEBRUARY 20 After skipping 2020-21 due to the pandemic, this usually annual film festival is back for its fourth year and spotlights 89 shorts, documentaries, features, web series and music videos, with awards presented. To qualify for the festival, submissions feature a woman in at least one key creative role of writer, producer, director, cinematographer, editor and composer.
Harkins Theatres Shea 14, 7354 E. Shea Boulevard, Scottsdale, 602.525.3012, filmfreeway.com, various dates and times, $15-$230
Zuzu African Acrobats
FEBRUARY 18 TO FEBRUARY 20 This Tanzanian troupe is bringing 2,000 years of history to the Valley! These exciting performers blend acrobatics, live music, dancing, dish spinning, the cyr wheel, the gumboot dance, unicycle/bicycle tricks, chair balancing, hand balancing, the human pyramid, contortionism and animal puppets to showcase Dar es-Salaam culture.
The Madison Center for the Arts, 5601 N. 16th Street, Phoenix, 602.664.7777, https://bit. ly/3IapbcQ, 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 1 p.m. Sunday, $19-$49
Ignite Our Next Act 2022
FEBRUARY 19 Celebrate Theater Works’ return to performing at this benefit, which begins with the program in the Gyder Mainstage Theater at 6 p.m., followed by a 7 p.m. party under the stars on the Osuna Park Plaza. The latter features dinner, dancing and entertainment, such as House of Cirque and Lee Perreira. Attire is red; complimentary valet parking will be provided.
Theater Works, 10580 N. 83rd Drive, Peoria, 623.815.1791 x707, https://bit.ly/3IbFZ36, 6 p.m., $150-$10,000
Justin Bieber
FEBRUARY 22 Does the Biebs really need an introduction? Like many shows over the past couple years, this West Valley concert was rescheduled in light of the ongoing pandemic. Previously set for June of last year in support of the singer’s sixth studio album, “Justice,” the show has been rescheduled — but don’t worry, tickets will still be honored.
Gila River Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Avenue, Glendale, 602.772.3800, https://bit. ly/3rmVhev, 7:30 p.m., sold out, resale tickets available
Arizona Coyotes vs. Los Angeles Kings
FEBRUARY 23 It’s White Claw Wednesday again, and the Coyotes are taking on the Kings! The special pack — available for every Wednesday home game — comes with two tickets, two 19.2-ounce White Claws, and a $20 food and beverage credit. TNT and TVAS will also broadcast the game. More info on the White Claw Wednesday Pack is available online.
Gila River Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Avenue, Glendale, 480.563.PUCK (7825), nhl.com/ coyotes, 8 p.m., $21-$322
FEBRUARY 25 TO MARCH 6 The beloved 1868-69 Louisa May Alcott novel comes to the stage in this youth play adapted by Kristin Lawrence. Translated to film many times — most recently by writer-director Greta Gerwig in 2019 — “Little Women” is a classic story of the trials and tribulations of sisters Meg, Jo, Amy and Beth.
Fountain Hills Youth Theater, 11445 N. Saguaro Boulevard, Fountain Hills, 480.837.9661 x3, fhtaz.org, 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, $18
Comedian. Actor. Writer. Chances are you’ve heard of or seen Patton Oswalt, as the multi-talented funnyman has done everything from TV series like “King of Queens” and “A.P. Bio” to voice work in “Ratatouille.” He appears regularly in movies and TV, with a long resume, and is also a wellknown stand-up comedian.
Orpheum Theatre, 203 W. Adams Street, Phoenix, 602.262.6225, https://bit. ly/33Gy3Yr, 7 p.m., $42-$62
Cactus League Spring Training
OPENS FEBRUARY 26 As the MLB lockout continues, Spring Training seems a little shaky. But if all goes as planned, see your favorite baseball teams practice for the upcoming MLB season at venues all around the Valley. With the weather warming and the sun shining, there’s sure to be many beautiful days to catch America’s pastime on the diamond.
Multiple venues, cactusleague. com, dates and times vary, see website for ticket prices
Innings Festival
FEBRUARY 26 AND FEBRUARY 27 This annual festival is for baseball and music lovers alike! Foo Fighters and Tame Impala headline, with St. Vincent, Dashboard Confessional, the War on Drugs and Matt & Kim also among a stacked roster of bands and artists performing across the event’s two days. Not only does it combine live music with appearances from MLB legends, but Innings Festival is also a culinary celebration with a variety of food vendors.
Tempe Beach Park & Arts Park, 80 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, inningsfestival.com/arizona, noon each day, tickets start at $105
The Black Moods’ road was paved with hard work
By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski I got to play guitar.” Josh Kennedy sits backstage at the Crescent Ballroom waiting to hit the stage for a “surprise” appearance by his band The Black Moods. Flashback to when he was a teen, when he met the Gin Blossoms’ Robin Wilson, after a show with his side project Gas Giants. “I was a super fan,” Kennedy says with a laugh. “I talked to him after the His mood is jovial as his curly blond show. His advice? Go to college. He was locks hang from under his black hat. playing 200-seaters to 50 people. Of When the Moods — which also includes course, I didn’t listen. I came out here. bassist Jordan Hoffman and drummer I found him playing Long Wong’s and Chico Diaz — arrive on stage, it’s clear I hit him up for a job. I worked at his that years of touring with the likes of studio.” Whitesnake and the Dead Daisies have The Gin Blossoms have proven to be a perfected the Tempe act’s craft. huge influence on Kennedy’s songs like
“We work harder than any other band “Someone to Save Us” from The Black out there,” Kennedy says. “I look back at Moods’ 2016 album “Medicine.” our career trajectory and I like that we’re “‘Someone to Save Us’ is an example still on the upslope. We haven’t hit the of a song that has the Gin Blossoms kind top and gone down the other side yet. of feel,” he says. “It also has a harder rock The roller coaster is still clicking up. I’m sound than those guys have. OK with that right now.” “We take elements of stuff I grew up
Things are about to change for The on — Bad Company, Led Zeppelin. I Black Moods. They’re playing their listen to them just as much as I did the biggest show yet in the Valley, 8 p.m. Gin Blossoms.” Saturday, February 19, at Talking Stick Now he has the jangly alterna-pop Resort, and tickets are selling briskly. musicians’ phone numbers on speed dial.
VIP packages were available, but they “The 13-year-old me would be sold half of them in two hours. freaking out,” he muses.
“It’s pretty amazing,” Kennedy says Music is all the trio does. When they via telephone from Missouri, where he’s return from touring, they get right back visiting family. “Talking Stick is really into their Tempe studio. happy.” Their breakthrough album, “Bella
The show advances the February Donna,” was recorded with Johnny 25 release of the new single “Saturday Karkazis, to whom he was introduced by Night” and its video. VIPs can watch Adelitas Way’s Rick DeJesus. the video with the trio backstage at the “He’s definitely pushed us,” Kennedy Talking Stick show. The song’s success says. “He called us names and stuff. He’s will dictate a new album’s release date turned into a member of the family. It’s
“VIPs get to see it first,” Kennedy says. shocking when you meet him. He’s a big“We’re going to go to radio, push that time producer who has all these hits. It’s song and see how it goes.” a little intimidating.” HUMBLE BEGINNINGS Diaz, who grew up in Tolleson and Phoenix, says Karkazis brought the
Kennedy was bred in the most music out of them. unlikely of spots for a rock singer — “He pulled the pieces out of each one Wheaton, Missouri, in the Ozarks, of us,” Diaz says. “He turns over every where his head was filled with Southern stone. We get it and it pays off.” rock and country music. Wheaton has a “Nothing’s pedestrian,” Kennedy adds. population of only 700. “He doesn’t let things slide by. If it’s not
He found his calling when his dad cool, he’s not doing it.” summoned him to the living room to see Hoffman is the newest member of The a band that he liked. Black Moods. Raised in Toledo, Ohio,
“They didn’t have MTV,” he says. Hoffman was living in Los Angeles “This one day I was in my room playing working as a musician and server when and my dad says, ‘Hey, bub’ — he calls he auditioned for The Black Moods. He me ‘bub’ — ‘come check out this band.’ joined September 2017. Hoffman also It was the Gin Blossoms playing ‘Hey lends background vocals to the songs. Jealousy’ on an awards show.” Then, it was something new to The Black
Kennedy’s dad told him he could Moods. write music like that because it wasn’t In a previous interview, Karkazis virtuosic. called this version of The Black Moods
“I decided when I was 13 that I the best. was going to play guitar for the Gin “They’re so talented and dedicated — Blossoms,” he says. “On my 21st all the good stuff you can say about a birthday, I was on tour with the Gin band,” Karkazis says. “It’s a really special Blossoms. They invited me onstage, and band. It makes you wonder why they’re not hugely successful. They’re well known in their hometown, but I don’t know how well known they are outside of there. Maybe they just haven’t been in the right situation. They would meet any challenge I threw at them. They’re the kind of band a producer would love to be working with.
“It’s encouraging to see a band so hungry and so talented. We seem to have a good rapport with each other. It all seemed to fall in place. We don’t know what the future holds, but I love the songs we’ve recorded.”
Karkazis is also working on the forthcoming record, along with Phoenix native Jim Kaufman in LA.
“This is the second record we’ve done with Johnny K,” Kennedy says. “This one, when we recorded it, we had moved the studio to the Ozarks. We packed our whole studio up in Tempe when everything was shut down and nobody could go to a restaurant or bar.
“There was no live music or anything happening. Coming from the Ozarks, I grew up on lakes, creeks, backroads. You can always do that. We could go out on the lake, down to the creek and crawdad, or cruise the backroads.”
Kennedy says he, Hoffman and Diaz had great ideas for songs but they were built from the ground up in the Ozarks, give or take a song or two.
“You can definitely hear the surroundings melded into the record,” Kennedy says. “When I hear it, I can hear the creek. We would be working and get frustrated and hit a wall, so we’d say, ‘Let’s go to the creek.’ We’d jump in the creek and work on vocals and lyrics down with Mother Nature.”
“Saturday Night” and another new track, “Junkie Excuses,” may be previewed at the Talking Stick Resort show.
“We’ll do three or four off the new record,” Kennedy says. “It gets weird when you do new stuff with people who aren’t super familiar with it. Everyone likes to get down and sing along. On the Dead Daisies tour, we did ‘Saturday Night’ and two or three others. Everyone loved it.”
An Evening with The Black Moods
WHEN: 8 p.m. Saturday, February 19 WHERE: The Showroom at Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale COST: Tickets start at $25; 21 and older INFO: 480.850.7777, talkingstickeresort.com
STILL ROCKIN’
By Laura Latzko
Valley-based Carol Pacey and the Honey Shakers are known for playing upbeat music and lyrics that energize audiences and make them want to dance.
They’ll do it again at the Rhythm Room in Phoenix on Friday, February 11.
A week later, Saturday, February 19, Carol Pacey and the Honey Shakers will hit the stage at AIDS Walk Arizona and 5K Run.
Singer/acoustic guitarist Pacey founded the group in 2011 with electric guitarist Andy Borunda. The lineup now also includes drummer Ben DeLuca and bass player Will Gantry.
In 11 years, the band has released three full-length albums, the most recent of which is 2019’s “Bliss.”
The group released the singles “If Romance is Dead Then I Want to Be Dead Too” and “Love Does” in 2020. The following year, they sent to stores a cover of Freddy Fender’s “Wasted Days and Wasted Nights.” Videos are available for “Wasted Days and Wasted Nights” and “Love Does.”
Pacey says she feels “Wasted Days and Wasted Nights” has an angst-riddled tone.
“Andy is from Yuma,” Pacey says.
“They would get together at family parties and cookouts and play a lot of the Tex-Mex music and some of that old-school country. That song was one of the ones that he would hear a lot. I grew up listening to country music as well. I really dug into the lyrics. I liked that song from a female perspective.”
Recently, the band has been working on new songs, like “Sit There and Look Pretty,” “In Your Face” and “Arizona Monsoon Breakup Song.”
Pacey says the tone of the band’s music has gone from playful to dark due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I like to be more positive-minded when I write. The times are not so positive, so my songs have been leaning not so positive. … It did affect some of the songs that I’ve been writing since this all started,” Pacey says.
MEETING OF THE MINDS
Pacey says the band has strong chemistry onstage because its members work together well.
“I think everybody in the band loves doing what we do,” she says.
“We each love playing our own particular instruments, and I would say everybody enjoys playing this music, being together and performing.”
Pacey says that although the group’s sound has evolved, especially as they have been doing more ballads, it has tried to stay true to its original sound.
“We’re still in your face, rocking, upbeat and good-timing,” Pacey says.
Pacey grew up listening to a variety of styles, but her family’s love of country music inspired her.
“I’m from Maryland, and my family is from Pennsylvania and Texas,” she says.
“Back then, it was whatever was on the radio dial. My family at the time wasn’t big record purchasers. We had a few eight-tracks. It was more country. I know my mom got into Motown, but it was mostly country. I just leaned toward really good singing and not necessarily any particular genre growing up. If somebody’s voice catches my attention, then I’m going to find out what they are and listen to them.”
In Maryland and Arizona, Pacey sang in cover bands. Eventually, she wanted to helm a band. At 35, she picked up a guitar and five years later she started the Honey Shakers.
“I never got past just picking it up and putting it back down,” she says about her experience with the guitar.
“I never had any lessons growing up. I didn’t do it in school either,” Pacey says. “A college catalog from South Mountain Community College came in the mail one day, and I was like, ‘They teach guitar?’ I borrowed a guitar from a friend, and I walked into guitar class.”
These days, she prefers performing as a duo, trio or band because of richer sound.
“It just brings a certain magic. That full band just fills out the sound, and it brings it more to what I have in my head,” she says.
Pacey says starting her own band later in life gave her more freedom as an artist, but it posed challenges.
“You get to the point where you don’t care what other people think. I’d like them to like it, but if they don’t, that’s alright,” she says.
“That was easier, but then it’s harder because I’m starting out later in life. Not everyone is going for that. They want young, hip bands. In my age demographic, there’s some who go out, but a lot of people don’t. They don’t necessarily buy new music. They are still listening to the music they grew up on. So, it’s challenging to get them to try us out. Younger folks are like, ‘What is this?’ I’m like, ‘Give me a chance. You might be surprised.’”
The 53-year-old Pacey continues to bring a lot of energy to the stage.
“I will rock a lot of younger people under the table,” Pacey says.
“Not with the rock ’n’ roll lifestyle, I can’t do that. But I can perform and have a good time. I’m proud of starting off later.”
Carol Pacey and the Honey Shakers
WHEN: 9 p.m. Friday, February 11 WHERE: The Rhythm Room, 1019 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix COST: $5 cover INFO: 602.612.4981, rhythmroom.com
THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2022
13 THEY’RE THERE FOR YOU
‘The Friends Experience’ peeks through the purple door
By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski
Fans of the TV show “Friends” will soon have the chance to recreate their favorite moments at a new event coming to Phoenix.
“The Friends Experience” encompasses 12 nostalgia-packed rooms that house Monica’s kitchen, the fountain, Rachel and Monica’s purple door, Chandler and Joey’s recliner, and the Central Perk legendary orange couch.
“The Friends Experience” opens Thursday, February 24, at Paradise Valley Gateway, 10845 N. Tatum Boulevard.
“We’re really excited to go to Phoenix,” says Stacy Moscatelli, co-president and chief strategy officer of Superfly X, which was also behind the Lost Lake Festival.
“‘The Friends Experience’ started in 2019 when we partnered with Warner Bros. in celebration of ‘Friends’ 25th anniversary. So, we created a pop-up in Soho in New York. It sold out within hours. From there, we went to Boston with the same experience, and it sold out there. We really just got excited to learn more about the fandom and the property and the love that people have for it.”
Moscatelli says fans adore the experience because there are “so many amazing anecdotes of relationships bonded by that show.”
“There are people who learned how to speak English from the show,” she says. “We saw an opportunity to grow. We took it from a pop-up to a full experience.”
Sprinkled throughout the attraction are original items, while others are recreations.
“Once you visit the experience, the simplest way to figure it out is anything behind the glass is original and is not a recreation,” she says. “Warner Bros. has an amazing archives team and worked closely with what we could put on display.
The attraction is scaled to keep it safe and clean — “Monica Clean” — to ease the fears of anyone with COVID-19
WHEN: Various hours, Thursday, February 24, to Sunday, May 8 WHERE: Paradise Valley Gateway, 10845 N. Tatum Boulevard, Phoenix COST: Timed entry tickets start at $30.50, plus taxes and fees. Private access tickets are also available for groups of up to six or 10 guests. These tickets allow fans to visit the space in the morning before general ticket holders arrive as well as ensure maximum social distancing between groups for a more private experience. INFO: friendstheexperience.com/phoenix concerns.
“It was such a great line to lead into Monica’s personality, while we’re all feeling the need to sanitize and clean everything,” Moscatelli says with a laugh. “Throughout the space, there are ‘Monica Clean’ stickers that we created that are on our hand sanitizers and other areas, to show fans that we’re keeping it safe and clean.”
It doesn’t moot the outing, however.
“Fans can go into Monica and Rachel’s apartment and sit at the kitchen table,” Moscatelli says.
“They can look at the things on the shelf. It offers that cool opportunity of stepping on the set and feeling like you’re really in set.”
UPFRONT | CITY | TRAVEL | ARTS | DINING | BREWS & SPIRITS | CASINOS | SPORTS | FAMILY | MUSIC | NIGHTLIFE | IN CLOSING
A MUSICAL MEMOIR
Peter Asher recalls classic rock and pop in show
By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski incorporate a new story or two into each Peter Asher has a simple formula for his show, “Peter Asher: A Musical Memoir of the ’60s and Beyond.” “We just pick songs people show. I have a lot of ideas.” A two-time producer of the year Grammy winner, Asher took a break from a recording session with the Bangles’ Susanna Hoffs for an interview. “I’ve always loved her singing. I was a will enjoy,” says Asher, who hosts “From Bangles fan,” he says. Me to You” on the SiriusXM Beatles “We actually worked on a couple of Channel. songs for CNN’s Fourth of July special.
“We throw in Peter & Gordon songs. We rearranged a couple of Bangles We have stories and songs, bits of videos, songs. We loved doing it, so we decided cool musicians. I’ve done different shows to make a record together. at different times.” “The new album is going to be a
“A Musical Memoir” comes to the mixture of songs, all rethought using Musical Instrument Museum in North some of my favorite musicians who I Phoenix for two shows on Saturday, worked with before.” February 12. Memoir brings photos He’s also a longtime fan and friend of and film footage from Asher’s personal Tucson native Linda Ronstadt. Asher archive to life, transporting audiences calls her “one of my very favorite singers back to the heart of ’60s popular in the whole world.” culture. “We remain very close,” he adds. “I
Icons such as Mick Jagger, John visit her in San Francisco whenever I’m Lennon, Paul McCartney, Marianne there. Faithful, Yoko Ono and Carole King are “I was very lucky in the early part of among the cast of characters, along with my career to have worked with truly his partner, Gordon Waller, who died in extraordinary artists. A lot of the songs July 2009. Linda did back in the day were songs
The show covers the music of Peter that people had heard before, ‘You’re & Gordon, including “I Go to Pieces,” No Good.’ We were doing a song “True Love Ways” and “Lady Godiva.” people knew, in many cases. It was an The songs given to Peter & Gordon by interesting, new way to do it. I love McCartney —“Woman,” “I Don’t Want doing that.” to See You Again,” “Nobody I Know” Asher is still on the hunt for musicians and “A World Without Love” — are also to produce or write with. He discovers front and center. them similarly to others. He was excited
“There are a couple new bits of video to see Damon Albarn of Blur and we haven’t used before,” he says. Gorillaz at the Walt Disney Concert
“We’ve been running over the whole Hall later that day. thing several times. It’s always fun to “When I’m driving in the car, like everybody, I listen to SiriusXM jazz or Hits One. I love hit records. Occasionally, I listen to the ’60s channel and I hear myself,” he says with a laugh.
“There are some great new singers — Holly Humberstone is one. She has some great songs. Ed Sheeran is brilliant. He is a great friend. We share being redheads. We’re a little tribe.”
Peter Asher
WHEN: 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, February 12 WHERE: Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Boulevard, Phoenix COST: Tickets start at $44.50 INFO: 480.478.6000, mim.org, peterandgordonthesingles.com
